London to Houston! (Spring: extended stay, lease, co-op)

[zilvia]

Hi all,
I'll be seconded for six months in Houston by my employer starting from January. I'm female and in my late 20s.
It's going to be quite an adventure I guess, as I've been in the US only once before and in completely different areas.
I'll try and sort out the relocation directly from London so I have a couple of questions for locals.
Thanks in advance!
- I am going to work between Afton Oaks and Neartown. I'd like to live quite close to the office but have no idea of how the area is. Anyone has advice for a young and safe area quite close to there where is still possible to find something to do in the evening? i.e. music, theaters, bars, etc
- how common is flatsharing among professionals? In London it's very common as house prices are crazy. in case it's possibile to flatshare, what is the best way to find one?
- what's the average price of a studio/one bed? don't need a house, I guess a flat is ok.
- what's the best way to get a car for six months?

[Cbink]

Originally Posted by zilvia

Hi all,
I'll be seconded for six months in Houston by my employer starting from January. I'm female and in my late 20s.
It's going to be quite an adventure I guess, as I've been in the US only once before and in completely different areas.
I'll try and sort out the relocation directly from London so I have a couple of questions for locals.
Thanks in advance!
- I am going to work between Afton Oaks and Neartown. I'd like to live quite close to the office but have no idea of how the area is. Anyone has advice for a young and safe area quite close to there where is still possible to find something to do in the evening? i.e. music, theaters, bars, etc
- how common is flatsharing among professionals? In London it's very common as house prices are crazy. in case it's possibile to flatshare, what is the best way to find one?
- what's the average price of a studio/one bed? don't need a house, I guess a flat is ok.
- what's the best way to get a car for six months?

Welcome!
Also check out the British Expat forum for expat experiences of being in the US. There's quite a few Brits in Houston on there.

http://britishexpats.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=57

It's not as common to flat share here as it is in the UK but it is possible.
Is your company paying for the car? Hiring a car is the most feasible option for 6 months unless your company can put you on a company car.

6 months is a very short time for a secondment. Make sure your company has a CPA (accountant) for you as there are tax implications of being here for 6 months depending on where you're paid.

Do you have a visa? The implications are on you if the company wants you to come across just using ESTA.

[Schumacher713]

Again, you are young therefore you want to live in Midtown or Montrose. Both are about 10-15 minutes from your work. Neartown is also called the Montrose Midtown area. A one bedroom will run you 1200-1600 a month. You won't be able to sign a 6 month lease. Even if you can it will be cheaper to break a 12 month lease. I heard this is what the co-op kids do for Exxon.

Finding a flatmate can be done. Lots do it here to save money and still live in a fun area. I really don't know what to do about the car. I would have the company work that out. A car in Houston is a must.

[fnh]

For a short secondment I wouldn't bother trying to find a flat share. Instead look for an extended stay hotel. My niece is doing this, working in Houston for a year away from her home in Philadelphia. She found it cheaper than renting a place and setting it up with utilities/internet/furniture...

[chris_ut]

I recommend you check airbnb for a monthly rental. You can rent a place to yourself there but also a room from someone or guest quarters and that might work best for you.

[OducksFTW!]

Originally Posted by Schumacher713

Again, you are young therefore you want to live in Midtown or Montrose. Both are about 10-15 minutes from your work. Neartown is also called the Montrose Midtown area. A one bedroom will run you 1200-1600 a month. You won't be able to sign a 6 month lease. Even if you can it will be cheaper to break a 12 month lease. I heard this is what the co-op kids do for Exxon.

Finding a flatmate can be done. Lots do it here to save money and still live in a fun area. I really don't know what to do about the car. I would have the company work that out. A car in Houston is a must.

Why would Exxon kids do that when their going to be in Spring? Or are you speaking of what they used to do?

I second this posters advice, get a car ASAP. You'll need it for almost everything.

Most people dont call it flatmates down here, its called "roommate". Anyway look into craigslist Houston search for downtown, look up the location on google maps and start calling people. My opinion would be to look for places just west/southwest of downtown/midtown. Avoid jumping east of 59.

Originally Posted by fnh

For a short secondment I wouldn't bother trying to find a flat share. Instead look for an extended stay hotel. My niece is doing this, working in Houston for a year away from her home in Philadelphia. She found it cheaper than renting a place and setting it up with utilities/internet/furniture...

Also great advice..

good luck, and have fun!

[Schumacher713]

Originally Posted by OducksFTW!

Why would Exxon kids do that when their going to be in Spring? Or are you speaking of what they used to do?

I am talking about kids that co-op at Exxon. They are just there for a semester. Maybe you don't know what a co-op job is. It is common for engineers.

I don't know any young people that want to live outside the loop that can afford to live inside.

[OducksFTW!]

Originally Posted by Schumacher713

I am talking about kids that co-op at Exxon. They are just there for a semester. Maybe you don't know what a co-op job is. It is common for engineers.

I don't know any young people that want to live outside the loop that can afford to live inside.

I've done a few co-ops, but now since Exxon is outside the loop, so all those young folks will now have to either decide to live out there and work out there, or do the reverse commute.